Chiefs, opinion leaders and youth representatives in the Damang Gold Mine catchment communities have welcomed early developments under Ibrahim Mahama's Damang Gold Mine Limited (DGML), citing increased local employment and progress on infrastructure projects.

The communities said nearly 400 people have entered various stages of DGML’s recruitment process within the first four months of the company taking over the Damang Mine.

Of the number, 180 people have already been engaged, while 135 candidates are at various stages of the recruitment process, including medical examinations and induction. Another 85 candidates have completed interviews and are awaiting their results.

The positions include maintenance workers, heavy-duty drivers, security personnel and general hands.

DGML assumed responsibility for the Damang Mine on April 18, 2026, following the transition of the mining lease to the indigenous Ghanaian-owned company.

Speaking at a press conference on behalf of the host communities, the Chief of the Bosomtwi Divisional Council, Nana Kwabena Amponsah IV, said the employment figures were encouraging.

“We are particularly encouraged by the reported recruitment of more than 400 people within the first few months of operation, including opportunities for people from the catchment communities,” he said.

Under an agreement between DGML and the host communities, 60 percent of the company’s employees are expected to be recruited from the local communities, while the remaining 40 percent will be sourced externally.

The chiefs, however, said the benefits of local employment should go beyond recruitment and called for sustained training, skills development and career progression for young people in the catchment communities.

They also urged DGML to create more opportunities for qualified local businesses and contractors to participate in the mine’s procurement and supply chain.

Airstrip project underway

The communities also highlighted progress on the proposed airstrip at the Huni waste dump.

DGML has designed the facility and commenced preliminary earthworks, while the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and the Prestea-Huni Valley Municipal Assembly have been engaged in the process.

The communities said the development represented a shift from project announcements to actual implementation.

Damang-Subri road works begin

Work has also commenced on the Damang-Subri section of the Damang-Subri-Praso-Cape Coast road.

Initial works include clearing the road fringes, cutting and filling sections with suitable materials, as well as constructing culverts in waterlogged areas.

The communities said the road was important for improving transportation, access to markets and public services, and movement between mining communities and commercial centres.

They called for continued collaboration between DGML, the government and relevant agencies to ensure the road project delivers a lasting solution.

Three astroturf facilities planned

DGML is also preparing to construct standard astroturf parks at Subri, Damang and Huni Valley.

The chiefs have made land available for the projects, while a consultant visited the proposed sites in July.

According to the communities, the contractor is expected to mobilise and commence work by mid-August.

The facilities are expected to support sports development, talent identification and youth engagement.

Communities welcome engagement

Beyond jobs and infrastructure, the chiefs said improved engagement with DGML was another positive development since the transition.

“A sustainable mining operation cannot exist independently of the communities that host it,” Nana Amponsah said.

He said mutual respect, transparency and continuous dialogue were necessary to maintain a sustainable relationship between the company and its host communities.

The communities said the Social Responsibility Forum and other engagement structures had provided platforms for discussions on employment, economic opportunities, community relations and the proposed Development Foundation.

They also welcomed the involvement of Ghanaian professionals in key positions within the mine, saying it demonstrated the capacity of Ghanaian expertise to contribute to the management and technical operations of a major mining asset.

Despite the positive developments, the communities said the early gains must be sustained.

They want DGML to maintain the 60:40 local-to-external employment arrangement, expand opportunities for local businesses and ensure that infrastructure commitments progress from preliminary works to completed projects.

Nana Amponsah said the communities were ready to support DGML as long as the relationship remained based on mutual respect, transparency, local participation, responsible mining and sustainable development.

“The message from Nananom and the people of the Damang Mine catchment communities today is simple: A new chapter has begun in the relationship between the Damang Mine and its host communities,” he said.